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"Castle School Education Trust is committed to high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages. Our schools cover the South Gloucestershire area. We encourage independence within each school within a strong framework of values."

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Marlwood School

Sources of Support

House Structure


At Marlwood we have four houses: 

          

Berkeley (blue), Holt (red), Kingsley (yellow) and Witton (purple) reflect old English words for woodland and thus pick up the theme of ‘wood’ in Marlwood, the school site at one time being woodland belonging to the Marlwood estate.

The move to a House system was made to ensure we maintain our family orientated approach to school life, building on the traditional pastoral strengths of the school. By ensuring that all children from the same family are in the same House we are able to nurture a coherent, family focused environment where all students have a sense of belonging; to their tutor group, to their House and to the whole school community.

The House system also fosters student participation in a range of competitions and activities throughout the year.

The Form Tutor


The Form Tutor is the key adult in the school life of a student. Wherever possible, the Form Tutor remains with their group for the extent of the students’ first five years at the school. The Form Tutor meets their students for 20 minutes at the start of every day and is responsible for registering and monitoring attendance and delivering a programme of literacy, and personal and social education.

The Form Tutor is the first point of contact with the school for most issues. The tutors develop quickly an in-depth understanding of the students in their care. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns with the Form Tutor who is the adult in school who knows best their child.

Learning Support


Marlwood’s Learning Support staff comprises a large team led by our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). For this academic year (2024 - 25) our SENCo is Mrs Emily Commander. The team has a number of Teaching Assistants who offer in-class and 1:1 support on an individual and small group basis. Students with vision, hearing and physical impairments are effectively supported and integrated as well as those with learning difficulties.

The school has excellent working relationships with the full range of support services. Marlwood is a caring school which values relationships with students, parents and carers, and outside agencies in order that we can ensure each individual is recognised and cared for, indeed thrives, in our care.

To contact the Learning Support department please e-mail emily.commander@cset.co.uk

Mentoring


Mentoring is available to support students who need a little extra help and guidance through school. The support available is tailored to the needs of the individual and is accessed via a referral from the Head of House. 

First Aid


First aid is provided in school by qualified First Aiders. First aid is given to students who become ill or injured during the school day.

If your child is ill or injured at school, or requires further medical care, you will be asked to collect them as necessary. On arrival please report to Reception.

The first aider can administer prescribed or over the counter medication to students provided written permission has been given by the Parent/Carer.  All medication needs to be stored in the medical room, clearly labelled and in the original package.  The First Aid Room direct line is 01454 862565.

School Health Nurse


The local authority Senior Health Nurse runs a drop-in session for students on a Tuesday lunchtime in the Support Room. She can offer support on any subject.